VISA / Residing in Japan

Persons who leave Japan and wish to re-enter Japan

(for work or long-term stay only)

If foreign nationals who reside in Japan for the purpose of work or a long-term stay receive Re-entry Permit or Special Re-entry Permit from the Ministry of Justice (the Regional Immigration Bureau) before leaving Japan, the permit enables them to re-enter Japan without obtaining a visa.

[Note1] It is not possible to apply for re-entry permission at Japanese Embassy or Consulate outside Japan. One needs to apply for it before departing Japan.

[Note2] If a foreign national who has left Japan with a re-entry permit is unable to return to Japan before the expiration date of the permit for unavoidable reasons such as illness, the foreign national may apply for an extension of the permit’s period of validity at a Japanese Embassy or a Consulate. (It is not possible to apply for the extension if the foreign national has left Japan with a special re-entry permit)